With Christmas approaching fast, we asked a few of our favourite musicians of 2009 for their tips, memories and stories from Christmas past.
Today Andrew Weatherall, who’s ‘A Pox On The Pioneers’ made it to 9 in our Top 40 albums of 2009 (read his entry on the list HERE), shares his memories of bygone Christmases and plans for this year:
What was your favourite Christmas present as a child?
It’s got to be the Airfix wild west fort.
Which gift did you want but never get?
A pair of Dr. Marten boots.
How did you learn the truth about Santa Claus?
Probably from a cynical world weary eleven year old who ruled the playground at Clewer Green Infants.
What was your favourite Christmas?
Any that featured snow.
Did you take part in Christmas plays at school?
Yes, the most triumpant and critically acclaimed being ‘King Weasel’ in a production of ‘Wind In The Willows’.
What is your favourite Christmas song?
‘Silent Night’, ‘Fairytale Of New York’,and ‘Christmas Rapping’.
Which person would you most like to meet under the mistletoe?
My wife to be and muse, Lady Elizabeth Jane.
What would be your ideal Christmas party (venue, house band etc)?
Billy Childish and the Musicians of the British Empire, Slade [original line up], The Pogues and Primal Scream playing live with Mark Lamarr, Barry ‘Scatchy’ Myers and myself playing some recrds [it will be an all vinyl affair]. Venue courtesy of The National Trust.
What have you asked Santa for this year?
Sir Ranulph Fiennes family history entitled ‘Mad Dog’s And Englishmen’ and ‘The Great Silence’ a book about the aftermath of World War One by Juliet Nicolson.
Do you have any post Christmas hangover / detox tips?
Redmills bacon streaks, orange Lucozade, and a dare of the hog.
Favourite part of the Christmas meal?
Cigars and cognac.
Who’s on your Christmas list from this year and who’s getting a lump of coal in their stocking?
Heroes are just people who have run out of options [a Japanese saying], and, to quote from the late Linda Smith,villains don’t deserve the oxygen of oxygen let alone the oxygen of publicity. If you sit by the riverbank long enough the bodies of your enemies will eventually float by [a Chinese saying].
Care to share any embarrassing Christmas stories?
Yes, it involves yours truly [wearing black leather kecks, black nail varnish and dyed black hair] meeting showbiz legend and watch thief [see Terry Thomas’s biography for more details] Jimmy Tarbuck [see my biography for more details].
Brussel Sprouts – food heaven or food hell?
Combined with pancetta and chestnuts definitely ‘heaven’.
Where are you spending Christmas this year?
Father’s stately pile in Berkshire.
What is your favourite Christmas film?
Billy Bob’s “Bad Santa” is a regular part of my Christmas ritual.
Do you watch the Queen’s speech?
It’s a source of inspiration whose light falls over the ensuing year.
Words by Robin Murray
